Does building log splitter make $ sense

Scooby074 · Nov 14, 2011

Ok heres the chart. Notice the HP peaks for both the 22 and 16gpm

See the attachment. 1300488 is the 22GPM. 1300487 is the 16GPM

crazyal · Nov 14, 2011

weesa20 said:
I'm looking for a splitter that is 3pth but that has its own engine so I don't have to run my tractor engine and because I don't have very good hydraulics on my little GC.

I think I would look into getting a pto hydraulic pump set up over buying an engine and a hydraulic pump. I'm not sure, cost wise, if it would be cheaper but I think it would be a nice setup that could handle anything you threw at it. I would think by doing so, others here would know better, you could get close to the speed and power of a two stage pump with a 5 hp gas engine without having it kick down into slow mode.

grsthegreat · Nov 14, 2011

For a 3 point tractor powered splitter i am currently helping a friend build one. He found a used h beam for $60 at the wrecking yard. plus the following

1. base steel, $30.00 scrap
2. pivot wedge northern tool $30.00
3. Wedge northern tool $33.00
4. 4" x 24" x 2" tie rod cyllinder = $175.00
5. prince splitter valve (surplus center) = $ 70.00
6. hoses - unknown yet
7. rest from scrap in shop.

total = $398.00 + hoses

not sure where there getting 1200 estimates.

this one will be just like mine...and mine works great

gochenour799 · Nov 15, 2011

weesa20 said:
So I've read a bunch of threads about BIY log splitters and everyone has done a great job- I've started pricing out parts as I would need to buy everything new and it doesn't appear that this will save any $ over buying new (with a warranty for what its worth...) and I haven't even figured in labor yet...I guess it makes sense if you already have an engine and the hydraulic cylinder and the I-beam, but otherwise it doesn't seem to make to much financial sense...I could see if there was a situation where you needed special options that were either really expensive or you couldn't find, or for a sense of satisfaction, but for just a basic gas powered 20ish ton splitter, it just doesn't seem to make sense. Thoughts?

weesy

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It will take x2 as long as you think and x2 as much $ ....lol

LD1 · Nov 15, 2011

Scooby074 said:
Ok heres the chart. Notice the HP peaks for both the 22 and 16gpm

See the attachment. 1300488 is the 22GPM. 1300487 is the 16GPM

I also notice that for 11gpm model, it is calling for just over 7HP @ max. And our 6.5HP briggs has NEVER stalled:confused2: Very confusing

grsthegreat · Nov 15, 2011

gochenour799 said:
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It will take x2 as long as you think and x2 as much $ ....lol

well... theres always those nutjobs LOLOLOL :laughing:

J_J · Nov 15, 2011

Where did yo get that high price.

Surplus Center - 22 GPM DYNAMIC 2-STAGE PUMP

The 28 only takes about 16 HP to run it.

Surplus Center - 28 GPM DYNAMIC 2-STAGE PUMP

J_J · Nov 15, 2011

Scooby074; said:
The min spec for the 22 may be 10hp but i bet thats at 2000psi, i can stall out my 14 hp if i try to turn the pressure above about 2700psi

I probably wouldnt run less than 10 on the 16 if your going to go above factory preset pressure.

The 22 GPM from Surplus has a 3000 psi rating, and if you are using the full 7 GPM at 3000, it will take all of the 14 HP to run it. The relief on that valve should be set about 2900 to 2950 psi.

For a 30 ton splitter, you will need a 5 in cyl and 2 in shaft, and at 3000 psi, you will have about a 29.45 ton splitter.

Of course the 4 in cyl will be faster, but less tons, about 18 ton.

Scooby074 · Nov 15, 2011

J_J said:
Where did yo get that high price.

Surplus Center - 22 GPM DYNAMIC 2-STAGE PUMP

The 28 only takes about 16 HP to run it.

Surplus Center - 28 GPM DYNAMIC 2-STAGE PUMP

I dont trust those catalogs at all. They just say "Minimum X Hp" but dont mention anything about PSI.

The chart in my above post is right from the manufacturer. And im going to say its right on. My 14Hp motor cant run my pump at 3000psi. The chart seems to indicate 15-16 as the necessary HP. Id bet if i had 16Hp id be fine.

Scooby074 · Nov 15, 2011

LD1 said:
I also notice that for 11gpm model, it is calling for just over 7HP @ max. And our 6.5HP briggs has NEVER stalled:confused2: Very confusing

Actually if you follow the chart across, youll see that at 3000 psi it lists about 6.5-6.75 HP. There are a lot of variables here as youve said.

The peak of ~7.25 is on the high flow side at about 850 psi. The slope is pretty steep and depending on where your pump shifts you might never see 800psi on the HF side. If your pump shifts at say 6-700 Psi it probably is only using 5.5hp.

Or maybe your engine is making more than its rated HP?